Harvey hosts "Night to Shine"

It was another night to remember, another “Night To Shine.”

New Life on Main Church at Harvey again sponsored a prom event for special needs high school and adult participants. The event, which is run by more that 600 churches across the country and around the world, is part of former pro-football player Tim Tebow’s foundation which promotes these events.

And to top it all off, Miss North Dakota, the delightful and talented Haley Wolfe of Carrington, was on hand to honor each participant with a tiara or crown for the evening.

This all happened Friday, February 7, the second year that the church sponsored this outreach. Eight-two guests from Harvey, Carrington, New Rockford, Rugby, Devils Lake, Pingree, and Minot participated.

“I have a niece who has special needs, so this event is near and dear to my heart,’’ said Annie Larson, one of the main organizers from the Harvey church. “This is the second year we’ve done this.”

The Tim Tebow Foundation started this event five years ago, and it is always held on the last Friday before St. Valentine’s Day. Although sponsoring churches can apply for a grant from the foundation, Larson said New Life on Main has opted to find local funding through individual sponsorship of $45 per guest.

That, along with other donations, allow the church a floor-to-ceiling makeover to look like a grand ballroom, provides DJ and karaoke fun, limousine service, a pre-event meal, gowns and tuxedos, corsages and boutonnieres — the works, including the tiaras and crowns, hairstyling and makeup.

“Everybody just absolutely loved it,’’ Larson said. She said New Life on Main Church, which is located in the former J.C. Penney’s building on Harvey’s Main Street, plans to keep doing this event year after year. “There’s definitely a need for it,’’ she said. She said it is a great way to make the guests know that they are valued.

Vickie Becvar, transition coordinator for East Central Special Education said the event is for anyone with special needs. Most of the group were high school students, 14-and-older, but there is no upper age limit.

“It was a huge undertaking,’’ she said. “Oh my gosh! They had the best time! They had a ball!”